“When Ben got out of the hospital he said, ‘When I fall down and can’t pick myself up we’ll know it’s over. Until then, we rock!’” – Jeff Carlisi
Benjamin Orr was the co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band The Cars. Often considered the band’s heartthrob, Orr possessed an incredible voice, diverse musical talent, and rare stage presence, all balanced by an enigmatic personality and a relentless determination to reach rock stardom.
Selling over 30 million albums worldwide with fifteen Billboard Top 40 hits, The Cars certainly achieved success. Within a decade of the debut album, though, Orr found himself adrift and without a band. Veteran music journalist Joe Milliken draws together interviews with over 120 family members, friends, bandmates, and music associates from Orrs life, as well as many unpublished and never-before-seen photos from private collections, to reveal an intimate portrait of one of classic rock’s greatest talents. From Orr’s first performances as a house-band musician for the TV show UpBeat through his creation of The Cars with Ric Ocasek to Orr’s eventual rebirth with the supergroup Big People, this definitive account of Orr’s life is a rollercoaster ride that sheds new light on the history of The Cars.
Orr is no longer able to rock with The Cars, but the music he made with them continues to attract new generations of fans. Coinciding with the band’s 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this first-ever biography of Benjamin Orr immortalizes his legacy as a deeply kind-hearted and exceptionally talented musician who would stop at nothing to live his rock and roll dream.
Joe Milliken has been a music journalist, editor, and website publisher for 20 years. A life-long rock music fan with a degree in visual arts, Joe would turn to writing as his creative outlet, starting as a local reporter, then a Sports/Arts & Entertainment editor, while also freelancing for various national publications. In 2014, he launched Standing Room Only, a website dedicated to promoting music, the arts and specialty food on both a local (Boston, New England) and national level. Originally from Boston, he now resides in southern Vermont with his family. Let’s Go is his first book.
If rock star genetics truly exist, Benjamin Orr was certainly born with the gene. His persona and his talent came naturally, without trying to play the role. His generosity and love are a big part of his legacy and that comes through beautifully in Milliken’s book. — Jeff Carlisi, guitarist for 38 Special, Big People
Milliken lifts the veil on the ice-cool demeanor of Ben Orr, the languid rocking voice at the center of The Cars classic pop-rock sound, uncovering details behind his musical journey. Im very glad that such an informative and insightful book has finally been written about Ben since his contribution to classic rock music is vast and cannot be ignored. — Pat Travers, rock guitarist
I find it fitting that my talented friend Joe would write a book about another friend, Benjamin Orr. Ben was a fantastic singer and musician, and a gifted writer - another thing Ben had in common with Joe! — Charlie Farren, vocalist, guitarist for FARRENHEIT, Joe Perry Project
To know Ben was an honor and a pleasure. He could go from ‘rock god’ to ‘bro’ in seconds, ready to go hang with the boys, but usually be a magnet for the girls. There was no pretense, just talent and good nature. Hats off to Joe Milliken for making sure his story is remembered. — Bill Gerber, film producer and formerly of Lookout Management
This book is a roller-coaster ride through the 60s and 70s with the movers and shakers of the Cleveland music scene, where Ben Orr grew up! — Walt Masky, Cleveland television and record producer
My adventures with Ben before, during and after The Cars and pop stardom, were always marked with mischief and an effortless connection. He was a delightful, generous, magnetic and down-to-earth guy, with one of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard. I’m so glad Joe Milliken is telling Ben’s story. — Fuzzbee Morse, multi-instrumentalist, film and music composer, producer
